Scar Revision

Why is this procedure done?

Scar revision is a kind of surgery that is done to help a scar look better. You may have a scar from an accident, injury, or surgery. Sometimes, the scar causes problems with how your skin looks or how you are able to move. Your scar may cause your skin to have: ‚

A different color or texture from your other skin
Red, raised, or sunken place that may be painful
Large growths of skin called keloids. These may hurt or itch.
Limited movement, especially around a joint

A scar will change as it heals. How your scar heals is based on your health, skin type, and color. It is also based on your age, ethnic background, and the kind of injury you had. Your scar may not be as easy to see and may fade over time. Because of this, your doctor may want to wait for 2 to 3 months before doing a scar revision surgery. ‚

What will the results be?

Your scar will be smaller and less noticeable. You may have more movement. Your scar will not be fully removed. ‚

What happens before the procedure?

Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚

All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.

You may not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home. ‚

What happens during the procedure?

Your procedure may be done in the doctor 's office or you may go to the hospital for your scar revision.
Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to make the area numb for the surgery. Other times, you are completely asleep. If you are going to be completely asleep, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
The doctor will treat your scar, based on how it looks. Your doctor may:
- Inject a drug to fill in the surface of the scar
- Use a laser or other tool to smooth out the skin surface
- Remove the scar tissue completely
- Do a skin graft or skin flap
- Do a special kind of cut to move the scar from one place to another
Your doctor may close your cut with very small stitches and cover it with clean bandages.

What happens after the procedure?

Your recovery is based on the type of procedure you had. You may need to rest in the doctor 's office for a short time or you may need to go to the recovery room for a few hours. The staff will watch you closely.
Most often you are able to go home the same day.

What problems could happen?

Bleeding
Infection
More scarring

Where can I learn more?

American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery ‚
http://www.aafprs.org/patient/procedures/facial_scar.html ‚
American Society of Plastic Surgeons ‚
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/scar-revision.html ‚

Last Reviewed Date

2015-08-19 ‚

List_set bdysylist

Dermatologic

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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